Turmeric is a brilliant spice. It is the reason that many curries look so wonderfully colorful, as well as adding that bitter twang that is so redolent of Indian cuisine.

And, if you’ve been watching the news recently, it is apparently the newest cure for poor mood and a wonder-drug that improves memory in older people. A new study has come out apparently proving the benefits of turmeric once and for all!

For those who can't find the time, here is the author's conclusion:

Turmeric is likely worthless for human health.
Curcumin might be useful, but at the moment the jury is very much still out.
Don’t believe the hype.

So only worth taking these supplements if your doctor has diagnosed you with a curry deficiency, and you can tell the difference between a doctor and a waiter.

There is a 'popular skepticism' series on this week about food which is of mixed quality but pretty good given its target audience.

It's well worth watching and I would welcome anyone else's opinion on it. My view is that it is somewhat simplistic but that it has to be because the average viewer wouldn't understand with, or get bored with, much more depth. A particular problem is that they do basic trials and tests (which is good) but they are usually subjective, small scale (1 person), uncontrolled and unblinded - but at least they are doing them.